Anti-Doping Bill Proposed For Horse Racing

Three congressmen are proposing legislation on the eve of the Kentucky Derby that would crack down on doping in horse racing.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, a Democrat from New Mexico, and Republican House members Ed Whitfield of Kentucky and Joe Pitts of Pennsylvania. The bill would give the United States Anti-Doping Agency authority to enforce standards in races with simulcast wagering.

A message was left with USADA, the official anti-doping agency for the U.S. Olympics.

In a statement Wednesday, Udall said racing groups have pledged drug reforms before "but this bill would bring in real standards and enforcement from an organization with a proven record for cleaning up sports."

Udall, Whitfield and Pitts were involved in Congressional hearings last year that delved into medication and performance enhancing drugs in the sport.

Under the legislation, USADA would draft rules to put an end to race day medication, set a uniform medication policy framework, impose stiff penalties for cheating and ensure that racehorse drug administration complies with veterinary ethics.